Ribavirin

Ribavirin is a guanosine (ribonucleic) analog used to stop viral RNA synthesis and viral mRNA capping; simply put, it is a nucleoside inhibitor. Its brand names include Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, Vilona, and Virazole, and it is an anti-viral drug indicated for severe RSV infection (individually), (notably for persistent) hepatitis C infection (can be used in conjunction with peginterferon alfa-2b or peginterferon alfa-2a), and some other viral infections. Ribavirin is a prodrug, which when metabolized resembles purine RNA nucleotides. In this form it interferes with RNA metabolism required for viral replication. How it exactly affects viral replication is unknown; many mechanisms have been proposed for this (see Mechanisms of Action below) but none of these has been proven to date. Multiple mechanisms may be responsible for its actions.

DEA Class 5 meaning lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes.

Estimated Total Cost: $430.46 for an average of 28 days supply